Improving urban logistics and environments
Funded by the EU, the 'Sustainability and efficiency of city logistics' CITYLOG project has improved the sustainability and efficiency of the urban delivery of goods. This has been achieved through adaptive and integrated mission management and innovative vehicle solutions. Logistics-oriented telematics services were investigated to decisively improve mission-planning processes through optimised routing and driver-support systems. Stakeholder needs were collated through web-based questionnaires. Information and communication technologies (ICT) tools, such as a pre-trip planner, ad hoc maps, dynamic assisted navigation and last-mile parcel tracking were developed on the basis of the data. These were then integrated into a common architecture. CITYLOG also developed vehicle technologies to increase the operational flexibility of lorries and vans. This means they can support different mission profiles, thus reducing their number. Innovative load units were then carefully designed to operate in different missions. Reconfigurable internal layouts enable different uses either as simple containers or as a mobile pack station (BentoBox concept). In the second part of the project, the CITYLOG solutions were trialled in three test sites and the field results were analysed for their environmental impacts as well as from a business perspective. Implementation of the project results will lead to fewer vehicles on city roads, better use of delivery trucks in urban areas and higher quality services. From the logistics operator's point of view, the groundbreaking CITYLOG solutions and technologies are of great interest because of their higher energy efficiency and better quality of services. For citizens, this means less traffic on the roads, more efficient delivery services and a cleaner urban environment.
